Entities

Editions

Form into Spirit

18 Feb — 29 Apr 2018 at the Blanton Museum in Austin, United States

20 December 2017

Form into Spirit. Courtesy of Blanton Museum

Ellsworth Kelly’s last great work, the chapel-like structure entitled Austin now being realized at the Blanton Museum, has its roots in the artist’s deep appreciation of historical European art and architecture.

This exhibition will explore how Austin’s conceptual origins began in the seminal period Kelly spent in France (1948-54), when he immersed himself in the country’s artistic traditions and monuments. Rarely seen early paintings and drawings fuse Judeo-Christian themes with the artist’s own modern aesthetic, making clear Austin’s decades-long germination.

This section will also include the first models and designs for the building’s initial conception in the mid-1980s. Four other expansive sections will elucidate Kelly’s rich explorations of Austin’s four main motifs: Spectrum, Black and White, Color Grid, and Totem. These formal concepts were deeply meaningful to him throughout his career, and he created them in drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture.

This exhibition is organized by Carter Foster, Deputy Director for Curatorial Affairs.

The Blanton showcases art from across the ages, from ancient Greek pottery to abstract expressionism. With a year-round schedule of temporary exhibitions, art lovers are sure to discover new and old favorites at the Blanton.